Survey of Bioheat®
Distributors
The National Oilheat Research
Alliance released the results of a
survey on the usage and potential
benefits and possible issues associated
with the blending of traditional
heating oil with renewable biodiesel
for home heat use. Currently, 5%
biodiesel blends (B-5) are being
used seamlessly across the oilheat
market. Some oilheat fuel marketers
are delivering 20% biodiesel (B-20)
to all of their customers and a few
are delivering even higher blends.
This blending has led to concerns
about the impact on reliability and
service.
Biodiesel is a well-defined
standard fuel with quality programs
in place. The stability of this fuel
has been thoroughly studied.
However, it is a relatively new fuel
and to evaluate the impact that
biodiesel use is having on service
requirements, an on-line survey
was completed in 2016. This is an
update of a similar study conducted
in 2012-2013.
The 2016 use survey was sent to
three identified groups, including
companies which have registered
as users of the Bioheat® (biodiesel
blends for heating applications)
logo; company owners, presidents
and general managers; and service
managers. A total of 139 responses
were received.
Overall, the responses do not
indicate a clear technical area of
concern with biodiesel use. Some
respondents indicated increased
service requirements, but the
distribution of the areas needing
additional service was similar to
those observed in surveys conducted
before biodiesel use in this market
thus, not showing causation.
NORA
Certifications
To elevate and standardize Oilheat
technician training, NORA offers
levels of certification ranging from
the entry level Bronze and up to the
advanced Gold. In between is the
Silver certification for experienced
technicians, the “workhorse” certification.
In addition, there is a certification
for oil storage tank installation
and maintenance.
Bronze Certification
The Bronze Certification is for
those who are entry level and
have minimal field experience. The
program requires a minimum of 80
hours of classroom and lab instruction
at a NORA certified school.
The program is designed to teach
individuals the fundamental skills
of oilheating. Classroom hours are
used to learn the critical elements
of a heating system. Topics include:
heating oil and it’s properties;
oil tanks; nozzles; combustion
chambers; basic electricity; draft &
venting; ignition systems; controls;
heating systems; energy conservation;
and customer service.
Following the classroom work, a
student must score a passing grade
on a certification exam.
In order to upgrade from Bronze
to the Silver level, technicians must
complete 20 hours of continuing
education (CEUs) and work in the
field for three years. Once the CEUs
and field work are completed, the
certification will be upgraded from
Bronze to Silver for a five year
period. During that five year window,
a minimum of 24 NORA approved
CEUs must be earned to keep the
Silver Certification active.
Silver Certification
The Silver Certification program is
designed for Oilheat technicians who
already have three or more years
experience in the field. Except for
those upgrading from Bronze, an
exam must be passed before the
Silver Certification is awarded.
As with the Bronze Certification, it is
active for five years and a minimum
of 24 CEUs must be earned for
recertification. NORA has developed
a comprehensive Silver Certification
Course, as well as a refresher course,
available for those taking the exam.
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